Rome and the Caesars
CCIV 170
Fall 2011 not offered
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The Roman world changed irrevocably with the establishment of the Augustan principate (i.e., when Augustus became first emperor, 27BCE-14CE). But it was only after Augustus' death that the consequences of his reforms became apparent. Rome suffered a turbulent century under a succession of emperors, variously represented as mad, bad, and dangerous to know. In this course we will study the period through contemporary or near-contemporary texts in an attempt to analyze the demoralization of the traditional Roman ruling classes and the slide into autocracy. We will examine the characters and policies of emperors from the period and will discuss the rise of a celebrity culture and the increased importance of public spectacles and entertainments. I expect, too, to look at modern portrayals of the period in the visual media (e.g., Quo Vadis, I Claudius). |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CLAS |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Petronius, SATYRICON
Seneca, APOCOLOCYNTOSIS (PUMPKINIFICATION OF CLAUDIUS)
And selections from:
Juvenal, SATIRES
Martial, EPIGRAMS
Seneca, LETTERS FROM A STOIC
Seneca, TRAGEDIES
Suetonius, LIVES OF THE CAESARS
Tacitus, ANNALS
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short papers, at regular intervals throughout the semester, and a longer final paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Regular attendance expected. |
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